It's an honor and privilege to be elected as the FTVA
President. I really appreciate the confidence that the
selection committee had in me. I have been lucky
enough to serve as the Vice President for the past four
years under the out-going President, Lee Anthony. I
have big shoes to fill. Lee has led the Association to
unprecedented levels in membership, participation, involvement and
support to the AF ISR Agency. He has encouraged the Board to strive to
new heights; adding new Chapters, greater visibility with AFISRA
Headquarters and our units in the field, plus the best finances in the
history of the FTVA. Thanks Lee!

Our annual Reunion in September was another tremendous success,
thanks to the great teamwork of the Agency's planning team led by Major
Keith Rogers and our Board member sponsors. Under Joe Hurst's careful
oversight, the golf outing was another success...nice weather, beautiful
course, good food, and great camaraderie.

The Remembrance Ceremony was moving as always, added this year
with the poignant tribute to our recent fallen heroes who died in a MC-12
crash in Afghanistan. Special recognition went to SSgt Richie Dickson,
a member of our SOF unit at Beale AFB, whose family was present at
the ceremony. The picnic followed with food, beverages, and the telling
of a few...okay lots of war stories.

Saturday morning started on another high note when we added five new
members to the Hall of Honor from the Decade of the 1990's including:
MGen (Ret) Paul Dettmer, Mr Dennis Alvey, Ms Betsy Witt, CMSgt
(Ret) Jesse Coultrap, and MSgt (Ret) John Armintrout. MGen Shanahan
followed with an engaging and informative briefing on the status of the
Agency. The Reunion festivities culminated that evening at the banquet.
Gen Shanahan was the guest speaker and again gave a powerful speech
discussing the five Hall of Honor inductees. All-in-all a great three-day
event.

I want to encourage our membership to get involved, either here in San
Antonio or in our Chapters spread across the country. A special shout
out to our newest Chapter in Colorado. Barnie Gavin has done a super
job gathering an energetic team of FTVA members that have already
made an impact in the community. Jim Kaus and his ever-expanding
membership in Florida has taken on the special task of supporting our
SOF unit at Hurlburt. Our Chapter in California continues the special
support of our units at Beale AFB. The Heritage Chapter in San Angelo
has preached the word with a continuous flow of intel trainees at
Goodfellow AFB since 1993. Our Chapter in paradise, a.k.a. Hawaii
meets and supports our units there at Hickam and Kunia. And last, but
not least, our Chapter in the DC area has plans to become more
invigorated with the help of Paul Dettmer, Al Dowling and others.
As Lee eloquently said four years ago: "We need each of you to remain
proactive, encourage new membership, document our rich heritage, and
most importantly...REMAIN IN TOUCH!"